HOKA Bondi 8 Reviews

Both rate it B+/A-: the lightest version yet and a stable max-cushion shoe with a firmer foam, a rocker and wide flare. Good for pounding miles and easy days. A bit heavy, and the fit is snug up front.

Smooth, stable and lighter-running than its weight suggests. It's less pillowy than older Bondis but rolls down the road nicely. Better looking too. A heavy shoe, best for easy days.

Rated 4.5/5: stable thick cushioning and lighter than it looks. At 500 km the upper had no tears, but he retired it because of outsole wear, reduced cushioning and slippery wet roads and manhole covers. Heavy and narrow in use.

Early impressions from running and everyday wear, with no hot spots straight out of the box. They found the foam soft yet surprisingly responsive, the shoe stable when cornering, and comfortable enough that they felt they could run a long way in it, with easy and recovery runs as its job and a fartlek said to be manageable. It is bulky and heavy (about 380 g), no good for speed work or racing, and a little narrow through the midfoot.

About 50 km, nearly all easy runs of 8 to 16 km during marathon training. One tester found the ride blocky, clunky and flat, with a firm foam that felt neither soft nor springy, and it felt heavy after about 45 minutes; the fit rubbed their little toe, so wide feet should consider the wide version. A second tester called it protective and durable but firmer and less pillowy than they wanted. Suits recovery and easy days for people who like firm cushioning.

Around four runs across two sizes, including a 16-mile and a 13-mile long run, strides and a track session. They found it very comfortable and well cushioned for easy, long and recovery runs, with a smooth roll and a wide, stable platform, and recommend going half a size up because it fits snug. The upper runs warm in summer and it is not a speed shoe, though it handled strides fine. They are not convinced it is the max cushion king.